Wow! We had a wonderful and productive legislative short session this year. Democrats from the 5th Legislative District congratulate Gov. Christine Gregoire and both the Democrat-led Senate and House for a job well done.

Gov. Gregoire’s hands-on activist role ensured that the monies allocated for various bills were spent wisely. Nearly one-billion dollars was left on reserve so the state is prepared for future needs.

Lawmakers drew a template for a new form of regional transportation governance. Now city, county and regional transportation leaders must refocus. With mandated time limits, there will be quick settlement of the debates over the Evergreen Point Bridge and the Alaskan Way viaduct.

Another major accomplishment was resolving the long-running dispute between doctors and lawyers. The governor called meetings with their spokes persons, as well as legislators from both parties. The result was a mutually agreeable process for dealing with patients, their problems and occasional lawsuits. This problem has defied resolution for many years.

Thanks from the many Democrats living here on the Eastside.

Nancy D. San Carlos

5th Legislative District Democrat